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Where To Stay In Perth: The Best Areas & Neighbourhoods

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Where to stay in Perth: How to choose the best Area

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia. Besides being the most isolated city in the world, it’s also ranked as one of the most liveable cities globally and No. 1 in Australia. It’s hard not to fall in love with Perth, and if you plan a trip, this guide will help you choose the best areas and the right place for you. I have been to Perth eight times and love it. It’s one of those cities you can visit again without getting tired. And it never disappoints. For Perth, I recommend staying in CBD, South Perth, Leederville in North Perth, and Fremantle south of Perth as nearby suburbs. Below, find our guide to the six best areas and neighbourhoods to stay in on your Perth trip.

A Guide To The Best Areas Where To Stay In Perth Western Australia
Perth WA Yagan Square – Market Hall, Gardens & Sculptures & The Illuminated Tower

From strolling at Elizabeth Quay to viewing the city from Kings Park to boating the Swan River, people watching in the Malls, there are many fun things to do in Perth for solos or with friends and family. For Perth, I recommend staying in CBD if you are solo, in South Perth and West Perth if you crave more relaxation and get active in the outdoors. Fremantle is the best area to stay on a return visit to Perth. And if you want to stay near the beach, then Scarborough or Fremantle are great options.

Below find our guide to the six best locations and neighbourhoods to stay in on your Perth Trip.

Perth CBD: The Best Area For For Solo Travellers

Perth CBD is the heart of Perth. The easiest way to get around in the area is on foot, but you can also use the free CAT buses that operate on several routes throughout the CBD and surrounding areas. I recommend staying in Pert CBD for first-time visitors and solo travellers as you’ll have all activities and attractions nearby, including Kings Park, the Swan River and Elizabeth Quay. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Western Australia Museum Boola Bardip and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Perth CBD - The Best Places For Staying
Perth CBD: The Best Areas To Stay For First-Time Visitors

Hay Street and Murray Street Mall are great locations for shopping and don’t miss the Twilight Hawkers Market. It’s a weekly food market with various food stalls offering international cuisine, desserts and drinks. For eating out, check out Wildflower, an award-winning restaurant known for its modern Australian cuisine and one of the best restaurants in Perth.

Where To Stay in Perth CBD

Budget:
Nightcap at Belgian Beer Cafe Belgian Beer Café. Free Wi-Fi. Terrace. Breakfast. Bar. Close to Perth Train Station.

Mid-Priced:
Art Series – The Adnate 24/7 Front Desk. Outdoor pool. Fitness centre. Breakfast available. On-Site Restaurant & Bar.

Luxury:
Parmelia Hilton Perth. Outdoor swimming pool. Fitness Centre. Private Parking. Samuels On Mill Restaurant. Bar. Breakfast. Close to Elizabeth Quay Station and Stirling Gardens.

Things to Do in Perth CBD

  1. Participate in some workshops at The Perth Cultural Centre.
  2. Experience local vibes at the Perth Town Hall and The Perth Mint.
  3. Watch movies at His Majesty’s Theatre.
  4. Spend time at Kings Park, the iconic Park overlooking the city.

Northbridge: Best Area For Pub Scene & Nightlife in Perth

Northbridge is located 1 km north of Perth’s CBD. You can easily reach the city centre on foot, but Transperth bus lines #40 and 41 work too. Alternatively, you can take the free CAT bus from Wellington Street Bus Station in the city centre to Northbridge every 10 minutes during peak times (7 am-7 pm). If you’re looking for a vibrant area in Perth with a great arts scene, delicious food, and exciting nightlife, Northbridge is the perfect place to stay.

Northbridge is also home to many events held at numerous cultural centres, such as the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, State Theatre Centre of WA, and The Blue Room Theatre. The Northbridge Piazza is an outdoor public space that hosts various events, including outdoor movie screenings, live music performances, and cultural festivals.

Northbridge - The Best Area For Nightlife in Perth
Vibrant Nightlife Scenes in Northbridge Perth

Northbridge is famous for its food scene, too. Check out The Francoforte Spaghetti Bar, a charming Italian restaurant known for its fresh spaghetti dishes and Sauma, for a taste of traditional Indian food.

Best Places To Stay in Northbridge Perth

Budget:
Spinners Hostel Dormitory Rooms. BBQ facilities. Laundry. Free Parking. Close to Perth Train Station and Russell Square.

Mid-Priced:
Attika Hotel Apartments. Studios. Private Parking. Free Wi-Fi. Fully equipped kitchen. Close to Perth Train Station and Stuart Street Reserve.

Luxury:
Doubletree By Hilton Perth Northbridge Outdoor swimming pool. Fitness Centre. James St Bar. Kitchen. Restaurant. Breakfast. Parking. Free Wi-Fi. Close to Perth Train Station and Urban Orchard.

Things to do in Northbridge

  1. Explore the boutiques on William Street.
  2. Grab a drink at Geisha Bar and Jack Rabbit Slim’s.
  3. Shop at Northbridge’s Chinatown.

North Perth & Leederville: Where To Stay for Families

North Perth and Leederville are located about 5 km from the City Centre. To reach Perth’s CBD, take bus numbers 15, 32, or 402 or catch the train on the Jundaloop line. The free green CAT bus connects Leederville with the CBD. Both areas are great suburbs if you’re looking to use Airbnb.

They’re residential areas with a fun vibe and plenty of restaurants, unique shops, and local markets. In North Perth, Hyde Park is a beautiful and peaceful park with a lake, playgrounds, and plenty of trees. You can also walk on Angove Street, one of the perfect spots for shopping and dining.

Lake Monger North Perth WA
Walking around the Lake Monger in North Perth

Just a short stroll from North Perth, Leederville is a trendy neighbourhood with cafes, bars, and shops. The place to be is Oxford Street. Don’t miss the famous Oxford Street Markets, on Sundays morning, offering fresh produce from local producers. For eating out, I recommend Pappagallo in Leederville, which serves delicious pasta, pizza, and other Italian classics and Saowanee’s Place, which serves authentic Thai cuisine.

Best Places to Stay in North Perth & Leederville

Budget:
Lakeside Bed & Breakfast Outdoor swimming pool, Terrace, Tea/coffee maker in all rooms, Close to West Leederville Train Station and Lake Monger Reserve.

Mid-Priced:
38 North Perth Snuggle Sanctuary for 2 Ground floor apartments with terrace, fully equipped kitchen, quiet, free private parking.

Luxury:
The Milano Apartment – Executive Escapes
  Balcony. 2 bedrooms + 1 Bathroom + Kitchen. Wheelchair accessible. Close to Leederville Train Station and William Traylen Gardens.

Things to do In North Perth & Leederville

  1. Catch a movie at Luna Cinemas, Leederville.
  2. Visit Leederville Farmers Market.
  3. Walk around Lake Monger.

South Perth: Best Area For Active Outdoorsy Travellers

You can find South Perth on the other side of the water, directly opposite the CBD. The fastest way to reach the centre is to take a 10-minute water bus across the river or take the 20-minute regular bus (#30, 31, 34, 35). South Perth is an excellent area for active travellers due to its convenient location and access to various activities like kayaking, fishing, waterskiing, and sailing. It is close to the Swan River and Sir James Mitchell Park.

St. James Park - South Perth
The Sir James Mitchell Park South Perth

The South Perth Foreshore has many attractions, including the South Perth Esplanade, the South Perth Jetty and the Sir James Mitchell Park, where you can enjoy the stunning views across the city skyline. You can also make some very scenic walks along the river or visit the Perth Zoo. Head to South Perth Esplanade’s Coco’s Restaurant to eat out, which offers breathtaking views of the Swan River and Perth’s city skyline.

Best Places to Stay in South Perth

Budget:
A rose in South Perth Renovated apartment. Terrace. Air-con. Parking on-site. Washing Machine.

Mid-Priced:
Quest South Perth Foreshore Terrace, BBQ facilities, Fitness centre, Close to Elizabeth Quay Train Station and Milyu Nature Reserve.

Luxury:
The Peninsula Riverside Serviced Apartments Free parking, Terrace. Breakfast. Close to Elizabeth Quay Train Station and Central Park Tower.

Things to Do in South Perth

  1. Enjoy Italian cuisine at La Veen Café & Bar.
  2. Shop at Garden City Shopping Centre.
  3. Visit the Old Mill.

West Perth & Subiaco: The Best inner-Suburb for Local vibes

West Perth is a residential area located just west of the Perth CBD, which can be easily reached on foot (about 15min), by bus (#28, 82, 84), or by train (Fremantle line) in less than 5 minutes. A yellow, red, and green CAT bus service between West Perth and Perth CBD is available.

West Perth is a safe and well-maintained neighbourhood close to Kings Park and offers an excellent connection to Fremantle and the beach. I recommend staying in Subiaco, the best suburb in West Perth and the best place to rent an Airbnb or long-term apartment. There’s a unique vibe and plenty of excellent shops, bars, and restaurants to discover.

West Perth with Kings Park
Super view of Perth’s Skyline from Kings Park

One of the highlights of visiting West Perth is The Parliament House (or the Parliament of Western Australia) as a place to explore and learn more about the culture and history of Perth. Across the parliament, you can find the old Perth Observatory and Solidarity Park. For dinner, head to Julio’s Italian Restaurant.

Best Places To Stay in West Perth

Budget:
Club Wyndham Perth, Trademark Collection by Wyndham Balcony. On-site Parking (additional cost). Breakfast available. Walking distance from Kings Park.

Mid-Priced:

The Sebel West Perth Outdoor Swimming Pool. Private parking. Fitness Centre. Close to City West Train Station and Solidarity Park.

Luxury:

Quest on Rheola Private Parking, Laundry. Free WiFi. Close to West Leederville Train Station and Main Oval.

Things to do in West Perth & Subiaco

  1. Shop at Watertown Brand Outlet Centre and City West.
  2. Experience some live music at The Bird Venue.
  3. Play a round of golf at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

East Perth: Where To Stay For Relaxation

East Perth is located on the Central Business District’s eastern side, bordered by the Swan River. While you can reach the centre in about 25 minutes on foot, bus lines 960 and 38 will bring you there in 5-10 minutes. The free Yellow CAT is another option. This neighbourhood is the best location for travellers that are looking for relaxation. It’s also the place where you’ll find the best hotels and have the best connections. Several car rental companies have outlets in East Perth, and the city parks are easy to reach.

If you don’t mind being a little further away from the centre, Burswood is another great suburb – it’s just across the Swan River from East Perth – that offers easy access to the Crown Perth Casino, the Matagarup Zip+Climb, and Burswood Park. One of the highlights of visiting East Perth is visiting the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA), which is an iconic venue that has hosted many memorable crickets matches over the years.

View Of East Perth WA
View of East Perth and City – Image Credit to George Nuich Via Flickr

Don’t miss the Queen’s Garden with its enormous pond from where you can cross the Swan River over the pedestrian Matagarup bridge. If you’re into horse races, head to Gloucester Park and if you’d like to learn more about the history of gold mining in Western Australia, The Perth Mint is the place to be for you. For the best places to eat, check out Royal Cambodia, an Asian fusion eatery that serves various meals from Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. or Maruzzella if you’re craving Italian food.

Best Places To Stay in East Perth

Budget:
Ibis Styles East Perth Breakfast. Fitness Centre. Eastside Social Restaurant & Bar. Close to Ozone Reserve and McIver Train Station.
Metro Hotel Perth City Green residential of Hay Street. Bluerock Kitchen & Bar. Restaurant. Private Parking. Terrace. 5 min walk to WACA and Gloucester Park.

Mid-Priced:
Fraser Suites Perth
Bar. Heirloom Restaurant. Indoor Swimming Pool. Close to McIver Train Station and Pioneer Gardens.

Luxury:
Charming, Cosy, Classic Executive 1-bedroom Apartment with garden, free parking, washing machine, walking distance from Optus Stadium.

Things to do in East Perth

  1. Check out The Royal Perth Yacht Club.
  2. Get some fresh air at Harold Boas Gardens.
  3. Visit Claisebrook Cove.

Fremantle, Scarborough, Cottesloe: Where To Stay In Perth For Beach Fun

Fremantle, Scarborough, and Cottesloe are three neighbourhoods far away from the centre but with direct access to the beach. The centre can be reached via the Fremantle line in 30 and 20 minutes from both Fremantle and Cottesloe. From Scarborough, bus line 990 brings you to CBD in 30 minutes.

Fremantle is the perfect spot to stay, especially for solo travellers looking for a more extended stay and/or budget-friendly accommodation near the beach. Scarborough Beach and Cottesloe Beach are great places for a beach holiday. Fremantle combines a unique funky vibe and its beaches in south Fremantle. A bonus is the ferry connection to Rottnest Island, making a perfect day trip from Perth.

Fremantle Markets Perth
The Fremantle Markets

One of Fremantle’s famous attractions is the iconic Fremantle Prison, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage. The famous Fremantle Markets lets visitors enjoy a variety of fresh local produce, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Scarborough is renowned for its idyllic beaches, earning it the nickname “The Jewel of the West“. The most famous beach is Scarborough Beach.

Nearby, Cottesloe Beach is one of Fremantle’s most popular beaches, offering beautiful views over Rottnest Island. Bathers Beach House in Fremantle is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood and other local dishes, while The Beach Club in Cottesloe has a wide selection of international cuisine and some of the finest wines.

Scarborough Beach Perth
The view of the sandy Scarborough Beach in Perth

Best Places to stay in Fremantle, Cottesloe, and Scarborough

Budget Stay in Fremantle:
The Local Hotel, Free Wi-Fi. Free Parking. Te. Coffee Maker in all Rooms. Bar. Close to Fremantle Train Station and Mills and Wares Park.

Mid-Priced Hotel in Fremantle:
Be. Fremantle Parking. Breakfast. Airport shuttle. Close to Fremantle Train Station and Mews Park.

Luxury Stay in Fremantle:
Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets Breakfast included. Parking on-site. Free bicycles. Characterful rooms.

Scarborough Hotels, Mid-Priced:
Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough Beachfront. Sea View. Outdoor Swimming Pool. Balcony. Parking on-site. Vanilla Face & Body Spa & Wellness Centre. Free Limited Wi-Fi. 24/7 Front Desk. 25 min drive from Perth City Centre.

Cottesloe Hotels, Mid-priced:
Cottesloe Beach Hotel Beachfront. Two Restaurants. Free Wi-Fi. No parking on-site.

Things to do in Fremantle

  1. Wander through the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
  2. Visit the Cottesloe Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
  3. Enjoy good food at The Sandbar.

FAQs: Frequent Questions about where to stay in Perth

Where is the best place to stay in Perth near the beach?
If you want to stay near the beach in Perth, I will book a hotel in Scarborough, located west of Perth, or Cottesloe is another lovely beach, but accommodation options are fewer. A beautiful promenade walk with a cycling path skirting the coast from Fremantle to Cottesloe and further north to Scarborough and the northern shores of Perth.

Which is the best suburb to stay in Perth? Subiaco is Perth’s best suburb for local vibes, lovely dining out places, and popular fresh markets.

Where is the best place to stay in Perth? As a solo traveller, I say the CBD heading toward the West is centrally located, and you are close to everything, including the train station and Kings Park, when you want to chill out and enjoy a sunset in the evening. My pick is the Art Series – The Adnate; if you love art and want to be in the city’s heart, this is the place to be.

Should I stay in Perth or Fremantle?
If it’s your first time visiting Perth, I’d stay in Perth. For repeated visits, I’d pick Fremantle, which is a truly funky place. You will love the enchanting vibes in Fremantle, especially if you travel solo, from the pub and live music scene to the beach and outdoor activities, you will love your stay in Fremantle.

A Mini Guide to Planning Your Trip To Perth WA

Here is a recap on how to best plan your trip to Perth from anywhere in the world or within Australia.

How to get to Perth

The best way to reach Perth, WA, is to fly from any other Australian City. You can also travel on the Indian Pacific from Adelaide to Perth or Sydney to Perth. Alternatively, you can hire a 4WD Car or Campervan and drive from Melbourne for 3.300 Km through the Nullarbour or join a guided Nullarbour Bus Tour. As a solo traveller, I suggest flying. The Indian Pacific Train Ride is also a fantastic way of seeing much of the Outback.

The connection to Perth is excellent if you travel internationally, from Singapore and all South East Asia airports such as K.L. Bali and Bangkok. The flight is between 7 and 5 hours, depending on where you travel. You have many flights from the Middle East, Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. From London, there is a 16-hour flight non-stop. From all other EU airports, you need to stop over either in Singapore or in the Middle East.

How to Get Around Perth

I recommend not using the car in Perth unless you want to visit its surroundings on day trips. You can use the free CAT Buses and the metropolitan trains that connect the greater area of Perth very well from the north to the south. You can get a Perth Public Transport Card to save money on train rides. To visit its beautiful surrounding areas outside the metropolitan suburbs, I suggest hiring a car in Perth to explore South West Australia.

Things To Do In And Around Perth, WA

A Solo Travel Guide To Perth WA

A Day Trip To Rottnest Island from Perth

The Best Day Trips & Tours From Perth

Exploring the Margaret River Region from Perth

Visiting The Swan Valley From Perth

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Where To Stay in Perth Western Australia - A Guide To The Best Areas and Suburbs
Enjoy Perth WA

More Where To Stay Guides In Australia

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Where To Stay in Sydney

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Related Pages and Guides

Go to Travelling Australia

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© Content Published on rockytravel.net in April 2023

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